Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming January 2016 8 share. Technology has been adopted with enthusiasm with new gaming machines and security systems abounding. We’ve seen an expansion of facilities; both cloned themed resorts and innovative new concepts. Clearly much deliberation, analysis and design has been invested in creating new integrated resorts and other gaming operations in Macau and elsewhere in southeast Asia. Whilst it’s difficult to challenge the speed and impressiveness of many of these new physical giants, it is more difficult to agree that the range of software within these mammoth structures has made an equally impressive impression on our minds. The continuing challenge for the private hospitality and gaming companies of Macau (and the public sector too) is creating an ambience and culture that is commensurate with the city’s lavish structures. It is time to support advances in the development of the Macau community and her human potential to inspire home grown innovation in products and services. HUMAN ASSETS HOLE Consider the employee development systems of these colossal companies. Most of the internal training systems and initiatives of the new casinos are Jurassic and trivial in nature. Companies continue to provide “mimic” role-play classes, which often leads to service that embarrasses both the employee and the guest with wooden conversations that are scripted rather than productive, impactful or motivating. These kinds of “monkey-see-monkey-do” or “plug-and-play” interactions frequently fail. “Human resources development” is a widely used but generally misunderstood term. Whilst the name implies resources of the human kind are being truly developed and grown, that is often a fallacy. The reality is that many companies see their workers as little more than tools to be used. They are taught to go through the motions in production line fashion. In two recent surveys I conducted of mid-career managers and Cover Story Who is Dr Brian To and why should we listen to him? Professor Dr Brian To is certainly a hard man to pigeonhole. He is a graduate of numerous prestigious universities and business schools across the globe including Harvard, Wharton and John F Kennedy University in the United States, Oxford in the United Kingdomand HEC in Paris. His qualifications includeMaster’s Degrees and Doctorates too numerous to list – over six advanced degrees in business, management, policy, Chinese business and managing change. As a global strategist Dr To consults to Fortune 500 corporations, a number of Asian governments as well as some ultra-high net worth individuals and their family-owned businesses in Asia and North America. As a Senior Professor he has taught at HEC Paris, Oxford, Carnegie Mellon and the Singapore Management University among other leading universities, focusing on EMBA, MSc and PhD programs on the subjects of growth, globalization, innovation, revenue expansion, change management, leadership and strategic business management. He also teaches at several military institutions at a senior level. Over the last three years Dr To has been studying Macau and its competitive advantages and disadvantages. He has taught a number of executive programs and advanced degree courses at the University of Macau. For over 25 years he has assisted both companies and countries become more competitive leading to market dominance and increased business revenue in the USD billions. Dr To has facilitated several IPOs and formulated, developed and executed innovative strategies that have enabled not only significant revenue growth but also industry domination. From advising and teaching the leaders of state-owned enterprises and Asian military leaders to private sector strategy formulation, development and execution throughout North America, he is active in university, government and corporate education. Dr To is in constant demand as a behind-the-scenes executive, adviser and life coach to captains of industry, senior political figures and military leaders around the world. He has received several highly prestigious awards and titles. He is expert in team management and has built competitive stellar teams at all levels across the globe. Dr To is a British citizen based in both Asia and North America and is active in numerous charitable foundations in several countries. Preferring to be known simply as Brian or even just “Bri”, he can be reached at bto@post.harvard.edu . Dr To teaches a range of executive MBA programs